NAACP Members Applaud Mitt Romney's Support for Traditional Marriage

July 11, 2012 at 6:30 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2012

Contact: Elizabeth Ray or Jen Campbell (703-683-5004)

Washington, DC—The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) today praised Governor Mitt Romney for pledging to support traditional marriage in an address to members of the NAACP, and noted that Romney received substantial applause from NAACP members in response to his pledge. The NAACP leadership recently followed President Obama and endorsed gay "marriage," even though an overwhelming percentage of African Americans support traditional marriage.

"Governor Romney has it exactly right that marriage as the union of one man and one woman is a pro-family policy that uplifts American families, especially in the black community," said Brian Brown, NOM's president. "The strongest supporters of traditional marriage include African Americans, 70 percent of whom have voted for traditional marriage. We commend Governor Romney and the rank and file members of the NAACP for recognizing the importance of traditional marriage."

Romney addressed the NAACP's 103rd national convention in Houston this morning. After quoting former NAACP Executive Director Benjamin Hooks that the family "remains the bulwark and the mainstay of the black community. That great truth must not be overlooked" Romney told the NAACP members, "Any policy that lifts up and honors the family is going to be good for the country, and that must be our goal. As President, I will promote strong families—and I will defend traditional marriage." NAACP members in the audience then gave Romney sustained applause in response to his pledge.

"Traditional marriage enjoys steadfast support in America, especially among African Americans," said Brown. "Just this past May, an overwhelming percentage of black voters supported a marriage protection amendment in North Carolina, just as they did several years ago in California and in other states. We know that despite the actions of some African American elites, rank and file voters in the black community continue to support marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

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To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, President of the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Jen Campbell (x145), [email protected], or Elizabeth Ray (x130), [email protected], at 703-683-5004.